Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Critical findings
984 results(21 / 40)
5. Changes in bulk and surface properties of two biochar types during 12 months of field ageing in two West-African soils
2020Kofi Atiah, Edward Yeboah, Eric Nartey, D.Y.I. Lawson, Volker Häring, Andreas Buerkert, Bernd Marschner · West African Journal of Applied Ecology · West Africa
This study investigated the changes in properties of rice husk and corn cob biochars applied in urban agricultural field soils in Tamale, Ghana, and Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, over 12 months. Biochars were buried at 20 cm depth, and evaluated based on soil management practices and time. No significant interaction effect was found between soil management practices and time, but time significantly affected most biochar ageing properties. In both biochars, ash content, fixed carbon, cDOC, hDOC, cSUVA, and hSUVA increased, while pH and volatile matter contents significantly decreased.
Organic cycleCompostClimate changePENDAMPINGAN PENGOLAHAN SAMPAH SECARA TERINTEGRASI UNTUK NILAI TAMBAH MITRA KSM DI RW 04 KOMPLEK BATAN INDAH, KADEMANGAN KEC. SETU KOTA TANGERANG SELATAN
2020Ni Made Sudri, Iyus Hendrawan, Mohamad Hardiyanto · Empowerment in the Community · Indonesia (South Tangerang City)
The Indonesian Institute of Technology (BLK) provided integrated waste processing assistance at TPST-3R Batan Indah to support the South Tangerang City Government's waste management program. The challenge was 2000 kg of waste generated daily from 1114 households, with 70% (1.4 tons) going to the Cipeucang landfill. This assistance aims to produce energy and compost, leading to zero waste and supporting urban farming.
CompostUrban–rural linkageOrganic cycleA SUSTAINABLE URBAN FARMING INDEX ASSESSMENT MODEL FOR EVALUATING FOOD PRODUCTIVITY THAT APPLIES MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION-MAKING METHODS — A CASE STUDY IN MALAYSIA
2020Ali Keyvanfar, Arezou Shafaghat, Tan Sze Inn, Sapura Mohamad · DigitalCommons - Kennesaw State University (Kennesaw State University) · Malaysia
This research developed the Sustainable Urban Farming Index Assessment (SUFIA) Model to quantify and evaluate the performance of urban farms' sustainable food production. Applying a critical literature review and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), the model identified reducing air pollution, soil health and water cleaning, and food sovereignty as critical for food productivity. When implemented at Zenxin Organic Farm in Malaysia for validation, the farm earned a Grade C, indicating it is a usable urban farm but requires substantial improvements in areas such as soil health, water cleaning, site design, and community environment.
Limited or null effectClimate changeOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justicePolicyAgriculture urbaine, pratiques agricoles et impacts environnementaux et de santé publique
2020Maëlle Tripon, Dorothée Boccanfuso, Marie-Ève Yergeau · Cahiers de recherche · Global
This literature review examines urban agriculture (UA) models, their implementation contexts, production needs, and impacts. It highlights that UA faces limitations, particularly restricted access to good quality (unpolluted) soil, water, and air, which can negatively impact productivity. UA can also have negative impacts on ecosystems and human health, such as pollution and diseases, depending on management methods.
Contamination & food safetyHealthBiodiversityClimate changeOrganic cycleModeling the Potential Productivity of Urban Agriculture and Its Impacts on Soil Quality Through Experimental Research on Scale-Appropriate Systems
2020John Taylor · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · United States (Rhode Island)
This long-term replicated trial in Rhode Island evaluated the yield performance and soil quality impacts of four small-scale food production systems over three summer growing seasons. While total marketable food yields (2.22 to 2.96 kg m-2) were modest compared to biointensive agriculture (4.64 kg m-2), individual crop yields often exceeded regional and national averages without soil quality loss. The study addresses a lack of experimental research on urban agriculture and provides a framework for normative research, offering more reliable yield estimates for modeling urban production potential.
Governance failureFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityOrganic cycleClimate changeNatural enemy–herbivore networks along local management and landscape gradients in urban agroecosystems
2020Stacy M. Philpott, Azucena Lucatero, Peter Bichier, Monika Egerer, Shalene Jha, Brenda B. Lin, Heidi Liere · Ecological Applications · United States (California)
This study investigated natural-enemy-herbivore co-occurrence networks associated with Brassica oleracea in 24 urban vegetable gardens in the California, USA central coast region. Increased floral richness and B. oleracea abundance were associated with increased parasitoid and non-aphid herbivore abundance, and increased network vulnerability. Increased vegetation complexity suppressed parasitoid abundance but boosted network vulnerability. High agricultural land-use cover around urban gardens was associated with lower predator, parasitoid, and non-aphid herbivore abundance, lower natural-enemy:herbivore ratios, lower interaction richness, and higher trophic complementarity.
CommunityBiodiversityOrganic cycleBukti Korespondensi WJARR: Effect of medium size and compost dose on organic red lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. Var red rapids) cultivation in pots
2020Sugeng Triyono · · Indonesia
This study observed the effect of medium size and organic compost dosage on the growth and yield of red lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var red rapids) in pots. A 3x4 factorial treatment in a completely randomized design with 3 replicates tested medium sizes (1kg, 3kg, 5kg) and organic compost dosages (0%, 10%, 30%, 50%). Results showed that red rapid lettuce growth was depressed at 1kg and 3kg medium sizes but grew more freely at 5kg. The treatment combination of 3kg medium size-10% compost dose, yielding 75.3g per plant, was considered the most optimum due to using the least amount of medium and compost, despite restricted growth.
DIYCompostOrganic cyclePEMANFAATAN LIMBAH CANGKANG TELUR SEBAGAI PUPUK MAKRO (Ca) PADA TANAMAN BAWANG MERAH
2020Fetty Dwi Rahmayanti · · Indonesia (Jakarta)
This research focuses on utilizing waste chicken and duck eggshells as organic fertilizer for shallot plants cultivated in pots, particularly in Cipinang Melayu Village, East Jakarta, Indonesia. The study aims to process eggshell waste into eggshell flour fertilizer to provide nutrition for shallot plants. During the research, each stage of shallot growth and development will be observed from planting to harvesting.
CompostDIYOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH EFFECTIVE ROOFTOP FARMING IN AN URBAN AREA
2020Udhayabanu.D, Sharmilabanu.D · Studies in Indian Place Names · India
This study investigates rooftop farming in an urban area in India, focusing on the growth ratios of two plants cultivated using different substrate ratios, including garden soil and kitchen waste compost. Measurements included stem height, leaf height, girth, root height, and total growth time. The study suggests that rooftop cultivation contributes to environmental sustainability by increasing green cover, reducing carbon levels, and decreasing household organic kitchen waste.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleClimate changeEdible Landscaping Using the Nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles
2020Tiare Saracino, Lynn Barber, Esen Momol, Tina McIntyre, Tom Wichman, Gail Hansen, Jen Marvin, Terra Freeman, Joseph Sewards, Wendy Wilber, Jacqlyn Rivas · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · United States (Florida)
The objective of this publication is to address the important concern of maintaining edible landscapes in a way that protects the environment for Florida's water quality. It introduces the framework of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles and applies these principles to guide decisions about Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the care of edible landscapes.
DIYOrganic cycleClimate changeUso de materiais recicláveis na implantação de hortas escolares
2020Marisa Menezes Leal, Bianca Motta Dolianitis, Jaqueline Rambo Anschau, Janessa Aline Zappe, Rosana Santos de Moraes, Marcelito Cavalheiro, Jean Carlos Robattini, Bruno Luan da Rosa Machado, Kelen Dal-Souto Frescura, Viviane Da-Souto Frescura · Ciência e Natura · Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul)
This study aimed to implement school gardens using recyclable materials in several schools in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Pet bottles, tires, pallets, and shingles were used to prepare beds and support plants. The activities were carried out by members of the "Living Garden Extension Project at School" in collaboration with students and teachers, and the garden space was utilized as an environment for teaching various subjects.
Food educationDIYOrganic cycleA dimensão socioambiental do ensino de ciências na horta escolar
2020José Silveira Filho, Marcelo Rodrigues Tenório · Cadernos de Agroecologia · Brazil
This qualitative research, based on Paulo Freire's dialogical pedagogy, aimed to develop environmental education awareness in elementary school students through organic agriculture and sustainable cultivation techniques in a school garden. Semi-structured interviews with students revealed that activities in the school garden contributed to modifying their habits and attitudes towards nature. The study found that the school garden fostered a sense of solidarity, group work, and the development of citizens capable of addressing social and environmental problems.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cycleClimate changeComposition and chemical properties of the soils of the city of Santiago de Compostela, northwestern Spain
2020Remigio Paradelo, Cecilia Herbón, María Teresa Barral · Journal of Environmental Quality · Spain (Santiago de Compostela)
This study analyzed 56 urban soil samples (0–20 cm) from Santiago de Compostela, Spain, across various parent materials and land uses, to characterize their physicochemical properties. The soils were found to be coarse textured (sandy loam), acidic (pH 4.7–6.9), with moderate to high organic matter (13–137 g organic C kg−1). Unlike many urban soils, they did not exhibit alkalinity, high bulk density, or large amounts of artifacts, showing similarity to natural regional soils.
Organic cyclePeri-urban agricultureCommunityRooftop Farm Soils for Sustainable Water and Nitrogen Management
2020Yoshiki HARADA, Thomas H. Whitlow, Nina Bassuk, Jonathan Russell‐Anelli · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · United States (New York City)
This study compared various soil mixes for rooftop farms to assess stormwater retention, yield, and quality of drought-sensitive crops. A 5-week greenhouse experiment cultivated leaf lettuce using an irrigation rate mimicking average growing season precipitation for New York City, comparing five soil mixes made of coconut coir, biochar, and animal manure compost, plus a commercial rooftop farm soil. Three soil mixes showed good yield with water retention rates up to 100%, and drainage nitrogen output levels were less than 13% of current levels at an operational rooftop farm in NYC.
CompostClimate changeOrganic cycleApplying Rice Husk Biochar for Carbon Sequestration in Building-Integrated Agriculture for Sustainable Urban Agriculture
2020· Materials International · Global
A study assessed carbon storage in rooftop farming using rice husk biochar (RHB) as a soil amendment. Seven soil supplementation treatments were assayed, including 20 wt.% organic fertilizer (worm casting), RHB (1.5, 2.0, or 2.5 wt.%), and combinations of worm casting with RHB, plus a non-supplemented control. The highest amount of carbon in biomass and soil was observed when using soil supplemented with worm casting plus 2.5 wt.% RHB, which positively impacted carbon sequestration in rooftop agricultural soils and urban food security.
Climate changeOrganic cycleDIYWelwyn Garden City
2020Phoebe Lickwar, Roxi Thoren · · United Kingdom
Welwyn Garden City was conceived by Ebenezer Howard as a utopian hybrid community combining the best aspects of city and rural life. Agriculture was integrated into the urban fabric in two forms: a buffering greenbelt surrounding the city and allotment gardens providing opportunities for domestic self-sufficiency. The garden city was designed as a closed-loop development connecting farms to local markets and reinvesting urban waste into soil regeneration.
Urban–rural linkageCommunityOrganic cyclePolicyFarming Food and Community
2020Theresa J Beardell · Digital Commons @ Connecticut College (Connecticut College) · United States
Sprout is a community garden and direct-to-consumer farm dedicated to building community and empowering individuals through the shared effort of growing and eating good food. Cultivation at Sprout is led by the conviction that good food is produced in a way that is ethical in both its environmental and social impacts.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceHealthOrganic cycleDiffering Visions of Agriculture: Industrial‐Chemical vs. Small Farm and Urban Organic Production
2020Heather Gray, K. Rashid Nuri · American Journal of Economics and Sociology · United States
This paper argues that industrial-chemical agriculture has abandoned the foundations of healthy agriculture, such as seed diversity and soil preservation, replacing them with genetically uniform crops. In contrast, it states that in the United States, small farms and urban agriculture are providing healthy food and reconnecting city dwellers with the life of the soil.
Food sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleCommunityImpacto del marabú (dichrostachys cinerea (l.) wigth et arm sobre la calidad de los suelos
2020Noiry Pérez Pompa, Santa Laura Leyva Rodríguez · Sinergia Académica · Cuba
A diagnosis of farms infested by Dichrostachys cinerea (marabú) in urban and suburban agriculture was conducted at Los Téllez farm in Becerra, Las Tunas municipality, Cuba. Soil quality indicators for reddish-brown Fersialitic soils over granitoids were evaluated across four land-use systems: two infested by D. cinerea and two agricultural systems cultivated for 10 years after marabú deforestation. Results showed that D. cinerea systems exhibited the highest soil quality index, based on organic matter, bulk density, and earthworm biomass. Conversely, cultivated systems achieved the lowest accumulation of organic carbon, oligochaete density and biomass, and total porosity.
Environmental trade-offsOrganic cycleBiodiversityClosed-Loop Crop Cascade to Optimize Nutrient Flows and Grow Low-Impact Vegetables in Cities
2020Martí Rufí-Salís, Felipe Parada, Verónica Arcas‐Pilz, Anna Petit‐Boix, Gara Villalba, Xavier Gabarrell · Frontiers in Plant Science · Spain (Barcelona)
This study investigated a closed-loop crop cascade system in a Barcelona rooftop greenhouse, using tomato leachates to irrigate five successive lettuce cycles. The results showed that low yields (below 130 g per lettuce plant) were obtained when the cascade system was used during the early stage of the donor crop, as the nutrient amount, especially nitrogen, was insufficient for the receiving lettuce crop. Additionally, electrical conductivity values became too high (near 3 dS/m) at the end of the donor crop cycle, indicating limitations in maintaining optimal conditions throughout.
Limited or null effectOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeSmall Change is Beautiful: Exploring Possibilities of Eco-san on School Garden for Transformative Pedagogy
2020Kamal Prasad Acharya, Govinda Prasad Devkota, Krishna P. Dhakal · Higher Education Studies · Nepal
This article explores the possibilities of using eco-san in school gardens in Nepalese community schools, focusing on transformative pedagogical impacts on the social learning environment. The use of urine as fertilizer through eco-san positively impacted students' meaningful engagement, social connections, and confidence development, as shown by qualitative data from students, parents, and teachers. Parents and teachers highly valued increased student engagement, opportunities for experiential learning through dialogue conferences, and the building of social skills like cooperation and argumentation.
Food educationOrganic cycleCommunityElaboración de compostaje con los residuos orgánicos del comedor para el huerto escolar ecológico
2020Ornela María Muñoz Millet, Antonio Yepes Jiménez · · Spain
A school in Spain implemented composting of organic waste from its canteen for use in an ecological school garden, with support from the AGROA school composting program and the Aguilas City Council. The entire educational community participates, from canteen staff separating waste, to the janitor transporting it, and teachers and students organizing it for compost and using it as fertilizer. This practice serves as a didactic resource for developing environmental attitudes and sustainable habits.
CompostFood educationCommunityOrganic cycleClimate changeEffect of Nitrogen On Growth and Yield of Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) in Roof Top Garden
2020Khalid Mahmud, Tawhid Hossain, Tamanna Haque Mou, Asraf Ali, Monirul Islam · Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology · Global
This study evaluated the effect of four nitrogen levels (0, 90, 110, 130 kg N ha-1) on chili growth and yield in a rooftop garden using a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The 110 kg N ha-1 dose resulted in the highest plant height, while the 130 kg N ha-1 dose significantly increased fruit length, fruit yield per plant, average fruit yield per plot, individual fruit weight, and average fruit yield. The findings suggest that applying 130 kg N ha-1 enhances chili plant growth and fruit yield in rooftop gardens.
DIYOrganic cycleUrban Rooftop Farming – Model for Sustainable Vegetable Production and Environmental Well-being
2020Pawan Gajbe · Agricultural Science Digest - A Research Journal · India (Nagpur)
An experiment was conducted in Nagpur city, India, from July 2019 to March 2020, to grow herbs and vegetables on a 230 sq ft rooftop area. The experiment produced 61.7 kg of pesticide-free vegetables using sustainable farming methods, including cultural pest management, composting household green waste, and irrigating with harvested rainwater and greywater. The results indicate that sustainable urban rooftop farming can be an innovative means to promote urban agriculture without harming the environment.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleClimate changeLaboratorios para la Vida
2020Bruce G. Ferguson, Helda Morales · · Mexico (Chiapas)
The Laboratorios para la Vida action research team in Chiapas, Mexico, trains educators to use school gardens and local food systems as venues for experiential learning. However, teachers face a host of hurdles to successful garden programs, including high teacher turnover, lack of space, and the difficulty of matching garden growth with the national curriculum calendar.
Governance failureFood educationCommunityOrganic cycle